Winemaker Social with Greg Graziano

For a few years now we've been pouring the Monte Volpe Primo Rosso, a Mendocino red showcasing Zinfandel, Dolcetto, Carignane, Negromaro and Petite Sirah. This wine retails for just $11 before Cru discount and always blows people away that its so affordable. Especially given it spends two years in oak as well!

Greg loves the grapes of the Piedmont as well as those more well know to American audiences. We'll be pouring a fun flight of his Arneis (yes, an American Arneis!!) for a white, then also his Pinot Meunier, his Barbera and the now famous Primo Rosso. 

So come on out Thursday May 17th from 6-8pm to have a flight of Greg's wine, listen to some live music and visit with one of the most fun characters in the industry today! All wines will be for sale at a discount in the Cellar that night as well!

In 1986, after graduation from UC Davis., Greg became the winemaker for the esteemed La Crema Winery in Sonoma County. At La Crema, Greg quickly became known for his bold and complex styling which put La Crema into the forefront as one of the top Chardonnay and Pinot Noir producers in the industry. These wines were featured at the White House and at the Moscow Summit. In 1988, Greg and his wife Trudi started their own winery, the Graziano Family of Wines. The first two brands were established; Saint Gregory (producing Burgundian-styled wines) and Monte Volpe (specializing in Italian grape varieties from Central and Southern Italty). During the start-up period, Greg also served as a winemaker for Hidden Cellars, where he created the luxurious Sauvignon Blanc “Alchemy”. Now Greg manages his family's acreage in Mendocino, making un-pretentious wines that are remarkable good value across the entire lineup!

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Orchard Wine Cellar Movers and Shakers This Week

  • Armas de Guerra Rose

    #1 Armas de Guerra Rose

    My heavens! 50+ year old, organic Mencia vines from some of the highest vineyards in Bierzo. Subtle aromas of strawberry, pink grapefruit and white pepper play with clean river rock minerality touched by zesty key lime. Balance and finish are tied together with a vibrating acidity. Structured and executed like a world class ballerina doing flamenco. Sells out every year for good reason. Lighter than Provence, a different planet than White Zin. The only hard part is only opening one bottle at a time.
    (Holding the #1 spot)

  • Tintero Moscato

    #2 Tintero Moscato

    Sori Gramella refers to the one of the only single vineyard Moscatos, and Marco is the only producer to bottle this striking limestone amphitheater commercially. Once the 30 year old vines give up their bounty, and the grapes are harvested and pressed, they are kept in stainless steel at a low temperature to prevent fermentation until an order is received in order to provide the freshest wine possible. (behind by 1 bottles)

  • Ioppa

    #3 Ioppa

    In the northwest area of Piemonte lies the DOC Colline Novaresi, from where this wine hails. 100% Nebbiolo and 100% stainless steel fermentation. Bright red fruits, watermelon rind, grapefruit with a rustic quality indicative of Nebbiolo. Still a bit of structure that makes this wine a certified winner for the summer. (behind by 32 bottles)

  • Lab Rose

    #4 Lab Rose

    What do we know about Portuguese wine? Not enough apparently! This rose is an excuse to better acquaint yourself with this country. Very feminine aromas of strawberry and pink mulberry. Bubblegum on the palate with the slightest bit of tannin to give this rose structure. Can we say patio pounder??!? (behind by 1 bottles)

Fun New Arrivals

  • Obsidian Cab

    Obsidian Cab

    A wonderful classic CA Cab with solid structure from the altitude and Hungarian oak. Reserved and dark on the nose with aromas of blackberries, hints of black licorice and coffee. Really nice and elegant. Touch on the masculine side with no jammy, jelly jar junk here. Wonderfully different.

  • Miquel Pons 77 Xarelho

    Miquel Pons 77 Xarelho

    Paying homage to Miquel Pons who has 77 harvests under his belt is this delicious Xarel·lo. Handpicked and aged in French barrels with generous lees treatment, this is Xarel-lo like none we ever had. Gorgeous earthy acidty wrapped in creamy texture and ample oak. If you are a Cali chard drinker, prepare to have your heart broken by this Spanish seductress!

  • Chateau Deux Rocs

    Chateau Deux Rocs

    A rose of lovely character, with fleshy red fruit and floral aromas. Its intense fruit and tannic backbone will make it the perfect match for spicy Mexican or Thai food.

  • Dancing Pines Gin

    Dancing Pines Gin

    A beautiful Colorado original. An aromatic, dry, refreshing spirit crafted with 6 botanicals, each contributing a unique component to the harmonious whole. Lovely bright citrus comes through on the finish prompting another sip, and another..